Lady of Fortune, Jiao Niang

Chapter 130

In this world, there weren't many people Ye Jiao kept in her heart.

Ye Ping Rong was clearly one of them.

Last time when Princess Huaning came back with Ye Ping Rong, their relationship was undetermined. Princess Huaning pursued closely while Ye Ping Rong retreated quickly, seemingly unwilling to get involved in imperial family affairs.

But Little Ginseng was naturally perceptive and clear-sighted. From the beginning, seeing that Ye Ping Rong didn't refuse when Princess Huaning took his hand, she knew her big brother was already willing in his heart. At that time, Ye Jiao had already decided that Princess Huaning was her sister-in-law.

Now that the two were finally getting married, Ye Jiao was naturally happy too.

She couldn't help smiling at Qi Yun: "I definitely want to go then, to see Big Brother and Sister-in-law." Then Ye Jiao's voice paused, "But husband, is the Capital very far?"

Perhaps for others, going to the Capital was an easy matter, nothing significant, and many people were especially enthusiastic about seeing the Capital.

Like Ye Jiao, having relatives in the Capital serving as officials was something many people could only dream of.

But Little Ginseng was different. Though she said she had lived for a thousand years, actually the place where she lived was just that mountain forest. Occasionally moving around was to avoid being dug up and eaten by people or spirits. Other times, Little Ginseng obediently stayed in the soil, rarely moving locations.

Now as a human, her range of activity at its farthest was going to the mountains or to the city.

Now suddenly being told they would go to the Capital in the future, obviously it was a long journey. Every time Ye Ping Rong came and went from the Capital it took many days. Now it was Ye Jiao's turn, and she inevitably felt somewhat apprehensive.

Actually, Qi Yun had never been to the Capital either. The places he had been weren't much farther than Ye Jiao's.

But Second Young Master Qi was thoughtful about comforting his wife: "It's no problem. Though the Capital is far, the whole journey uses official roads, and we'll bring attendants and guards. Nothing will happen."

Ye Jiao looked at him: "What about the children? Will they come too?"

This time Qi Yun didn't immediately agree but carefully calculated the time before saying: "Xu Bao must be brought. He's at the age where he remembers things quickly, and he needs to learn how to conduct himself properly and establish good foundations, so it's better to keep him close." Then Qi Yun looked at the two little ones sleeping in a bundle in the small bed, "By then they won't even be able to talk yet. Since we're going there but not necessarily staying permanently, they can stay with Mother to be raised."

Qi Yun didn't say everything definitively. Usually Ye Jiao wouldn't ask detailed questions, but when it concerned her children, Ye Jiao naturally wanted to ask clearly: "Are we perhaps staying there long-term?"

If Ye Jiao hadn't asked, Qi Yun probably wouldn't have explained in such detail, but since Ye Jiao brought it up, Qi Yun explained carefully: "The shops in the Capital are doing well. This trip would be perfect for carefully planning things. If we can expand the business, we'll probably need to stay for quite some time."

Little Ginseng never asked about Qi Yun's business affairs. Since this person was always by her side, she didn't need to worry about other matters.

But hearing they might be gone for a long time, Ye Jiao instinctively touched little Ruyi in the small bed.

Though little Ruyi was still sleeping, she opened her mouth and directly bit down on Ye Jiao's finger.

The toothless little mouth sucked a bit, found nothing there, and released Ye Jiao, tilting her little head to continue sleeping on her own.

Ye Jiao wiped the little one's drool on a cloth nearby, looking at Qi Yun: "What if it's a long time?"

Qi Yun said: "If things there are stable, we'll come back to get them, or the whole family moving to the Capital together is also possible."

These words made Little Su, who was listening on the side, widen her eyes slightly.

To Little Ginseng, she didn't think there was anything particularly special about it, but Little Su had been poor and suffered hardship since childhood. She had heard plenty of people talk about the Capital's prosperity and beauty, so naturally she understood what it meant for the whole family to move to the Capital.

To have residences in the Capital, have businesses, and live stably there, every aspect was not easy.

In Little Su's mind, the Capital was made of courtyards built with gold and silver, houses constructed with jade and stone.

But Qi Yun spoke of it lightly, as if it wasn't anything important, and Ye Jiao just nodded in agreement.

But though Qi Yun and Ye Jiao spoke of it simply, not wanting her to worry, there were actually quite a few things that needed consideration.

Who to bring, how to go, where to live after arriving, all these required careful planning.

Usually there were also merchant families who went to the Capital, generally staying in courtyards behind their shops.

But Qi Yun wasn't just going by himself, he was bringing his wife and children. And in Qi Yun's heart, his wife had lived too hard a life before, so he never wanted to let her suffer any grievances.

If they could arrange for a residence, they should find a residence. If they could directly buy a house, that would be best.

But though Qi Yun hadn't originally intended to trouble the future prince consort, Ye Ping Rong had his own ways of finding out about these things.

When the manager of the Qi family wine shop in the Capital began inquiring about residences, Ye Ping Rong realized his sister and brother-in-law were coming to the Capital to buy property.

When he mentioned this to Princess Huaning, she immediately looked at him: "Wonderful! It would be best if Jiao Niang could come. I could have a companion too."

It wasn't that Princess Huaning lacked people to keep her company. On the contrary, now plenty of people wanted to curry favor with her.

Having an uncle who was a great general, and being Emperor Chu Chengyun's most beloved sister, Princess Huaning had even been allocated a fief very close to the Capital, showing the current emperor's favor. Naturally, the noble families in the Capital wanted to establish good relationships with her.

But what comes too easily isn't valued, and human relationships work the same way.

Being ignored was certainly uncomfortable, but hearing too many flattering words could also become tiresome.

Now besides entering the palace to talk with Empress Meng, Princess Huaning was only with Ye Ping Rong. She was too lazy to see other people.

But Ye Jiao was different. Not only because she was Ye Ping Rong's biological sister, but also because she was a woman as pure as water who wouldn't be especially careful because of her high position and power. Interacting this way was always comfortable.

Princess Huaning directly took over the job of finding a house for Ye Jiao: "The Capital doesn't lack for much else, but it has plenty of houses. Since the Qi family isn't an official family, they can't get those cheap confiscated properties, but finding a house in a suitable location is still easy. Just don't mention it to Imperial Brother. He's been annoyed lately. Unless there's some great happy news, better not to bother him."

Ye Ping Rong couldn't help asking: "What is His Majesty annoyed about?" Commander Ye recalled recent events, feeling that lately the weather had been favorable, the country peaceful and the people content. Aside from the previous heavy rain, it could be called rare good times, reason for happiness.

Princess Huaning picked up a piece of osmanthus cake to eat, her voice muffled: "Isn't it just those ministers pressuring him to take beauties to fill the harem? Someone presents memorials every day. Last time I saw Imperial Brother, he didn't even have a trace of a smile."

Speaking of this matter, Ye Ping Rong also shook his head.

Military officers were different from civil officials. If there were no military matters on court, military officers rarely spoke.

Even though Ye Ping Rong had now been promoted to fourth rank and was known as the new emperor's close minister, when attending court, Ye Ping Rong just stood there as decoration, either letting his mind wander or looking down at his shoes, anyway he would zone out.

But even someone like Ye Ping Rong who went brainlessly could hear those ministers' pressure.

They seemed particularly dissatisfied that the emperor's harem favored only one person, and using the empress's lack of a son as reason, they took turns submitting memorials, annoying Emperor Chu Chengyun greatly.

Ye Ping Rong had never expressed opinions and didn't want to ask more. He just needed to stand up and help the emperor argue with people when Emperor Chu Chengyun signaled him.

But since Princess Huaning brought it up now, Ye Ping Rong asked one more question: "Harem matters should count as the emperor's family affairs. Why are they so enthusiastic about it?"

Princess Huaning finished the osmanthus cake and was holding a teacup, lightly sipping to dissolve the sweetness in her mouth. Upon hearing this, she said: "They just want to send their clan's daughters into the harem, hoping to become imperial fathers-in-law, or even the maternal clan of future emperors, using this to rise to great heights."

While speaking, Princess Huaning picked up another piece of osmanthus cake.

The Capital's Lingxian Pavilion truly had exceptional skills. When Jiao Niang came, she would definitely arrange to eat there together every day.

But in her heart, she felt somewhat disgusted with those aristocratic clans.

They most loved to step on the low and curry favor with the high, flocking to add flowers to brocade but abandoning those who needed help in the snow. Princess Huaning had seen this before. When her mother consort's natal family, the Guo clan, fell into trouble, no one had helped. She could only gamble everything on finding Emperor Chu Chengyun, placing all her hopes on Third Brother to survive.

Now that Emperor Chu Chengyun had gained power, they wanted to rush to flatter him, and seeing that Imperial Brother had a good temper, they pushed their luck trying to manipulate him.

Dream on!

Princess Huaning knew Empress Meng's methods, and moreover, Empress Meng had the Meng clan backing her, giving her plenty of confidence to do whatever she wanted.

And Princess Huaning didn't believe that the former empress and her two sons had really died suddenly. Things Emperor Chu Chengyun couldn't do, Empress Meng could do. Whoever blocked her path, she could remove.

Now, it was just some people asking for trouble.

But these thoughts, Princess Huaning only kept to herself, never daring to speak them aloud.

She looked at Ye Ping Rong and lowered her voice slightly: "They just don't understand my Imperial Brother. Even though he had concubines before, when Imperial Brother was in trouble, the only one willing to leave the Capital with him to flee for their lives was Empress alone. From that moment it was destined that the Empress would always be Empress. Even without children, Imperial Brother would rather adopt than hope he might change his heart."

Ye Ping Rong nodded. If it were someone else, he wouldn't believe it, but he understood his emperor.

He had previously been a guard at Prince Duan's mansion, always following Emperor Chu Chengyun, so naturally he knew the relationship between Emperor Chu Chengyun and the Meng family.

Emperor Chu Chengyun valued loyalty and was a kind and benevolent person. Even when the former empress and several brothers persecuted him so, he only thought of running, not killing to stop killing.

If he hadn't finally realized that they wouldn't give him a way to live, Emperor Chu Chengyun probably really could have wandered with the Meng family to the ends of the earth.

They had suffered hardships together, and Emperor Chu Chengyun wasn't the type of hypocritical person, nor was he lustful. He probably couldn't do anything to hurt Empress Meng.

Princess Huaning looked at Ye Ping Rong and said softly: "I'm the same as my brother. Once he gives his true heart, he won't betray it, and I'm the same."

Ye Ping Rong's ears suddenly turned red, and for a moment he didn't realize this statement seemed backwards.

All he could think of was forcefully changing the subject: "Actually, when Jiao Niang and brother-in-law come to the Capital, they don't necessarily have to spend money to find a residence. They could live with us too."

Upon hearing this, Princess Huaning couldn't help but laugh.

She was a princess, most noble of all, yet was very willing to live with Ye Jiao. Other noble ladies all found living with their husband's family tiresome, but Princess Huaning looked forward to Ye Jiao coming quickly to liven things up.

But some things weren't just a matter of one's own willingness. Not to mention whether a sister living in her brother and sister-in-law's house would cause outsiders to gossip, just speaking of Qi Yun himself, Princess Huaning had heard Empress Meng mention him many times. She knew that though Qi Yun appeared physically weak and frail, in his heart he was most aloof and proud.

Moreover, he loved Ye Jiao to his very bones, holding her carefully lest she fall, keeping her in his mouth lest she melt, simply not knowing how to treat her well enough.

He could endure living under another's roof, but wouldn't let Ye Jiao suffer it.

But Princess Huaning didn't say these things directly. Instead, she gently took Ye Ping Rong's hand and smiled: "They're coming because of our wedding, to witness the ceremony. At that time, you and I will be newlyweds. Are you sure you want to live together with others?"

This time Ye Ping Rong's face turned red, not just his ears. He immediately stood up, threw out a line about "going to reply to brother-in-law's letter" and ran off. Princess Huaning stared at his retreating figure, laughing until she couldn't straighten up.

Ye Ping Rong's letter arrived at the Qi family just as Ye Jiao was finishing her confinement.

Ordinary people did confinement for thirty days, but whether Qi Yun or Liu Shi, both insisted Ye Jiao should rest longer. So like last time, she did a full forty days before being allowed to go out and move around.

However, after "regaining freedom," the happiest person wasn't Ye Jiao, but Xu Bao.

He had always been clingy with Ye Jiao. After having little brother and sister, Xu Bao was well-behaved, knowing not to disturb mother. Each time he would obediently recite books, chat, or lie beside Ye Jiao watching his little brother and sister, not demanding anything else.

Now that mother could go outside, and Ning Bao and Ruyi could also come out for walks, Xu Bao was overjoyed.

He even became obsessed with running to see the children every day, then standing by the small bed where he used to sleep, seriously reciting books to his little brother and sister. When Ye Jiao once asked him why he did this, Xu Bao answered righteously: "Let them know how amazing I am!"

Ye Jiao didn't quite understand why Xu Bao wanted to tell these things to babies who couldn't understand. When she asked Qi Yun, the man rarely avoided answering.

Only because he was the one who had told Xu Bao this, as for the reason...

Since Ning Bao and Ruyi couldn't understand anyway, having Xu Bao bother them... no, having him share the exquisite beauty of books with them was also good.

As long as he didn't come looking for him, everything was fine.

When Xu Bao ran off again to "play" with his little brother and sister, Qi Yun gave Ye Ping Rong's reply letter to Ye Jiao, saying: "This matter can be left to big brother and sister-in-law."

Previously Qi Yun would still properly address them separately, but since Ye Jiao always called Princess Huaning sister-in-law, over time Qi Yun followed suit.

Ye Jiao also nodded, but still thought about it: "Then we should bring something to thank them."

Qi Yun also felt this was appropriate, not just for the house-finding matter, but also because Ye Ping Rong had been especially careful when helping Qi Yun find shops before.

Then Qi Yun heard Ye Jiao say: "Sending other things isn't particularly special. Why not give them a book? They should find it useful."

Second Young Master Qi was stunned for a moment, instinctively asking: "What book?"

"Those books you brought back before that just have pictures without words."

Qi Yun: ...

But in the end, Qi Yun still agreed, just that it should be given privately. They would... definitely find it useful.

After finishing confinement, she could dress up properly. Ye Jiao washed her face, then sat obediently in a chair, raising her head to let Qi Yun draw her eyebrows.

The man had long been accustomed to these tasks. Though he hadn't done them for over a month, picking up such familiar skills again was very easy.

Taking the newly obtained snail shell ink to carefully outline for Ye Jiao, Qi Yun's voice was gentle: "Just now Nanny Liu came, saying Mother got a coconut. Having coconut at this time is very rare. Mother had people make coconut crisps and wants you to go try some."

When it came to food, Little Ginseng never gave up pursuing it. Upon hearing this, she immediately nodded: "Good, will husband come with me?"

Qi Yun switched to outlining the other eyebrow: "I won't go. Later I'll go see Master Feng, ask if he's willing to come to the Capital with us, then go to the prefect's office to check the examination results for Third Brother."

Only then did Ye Jiao remember that besides being the month she gave birth, August was also when Qi Ming finished the provincial examination.

Calculating the time, the results should be posted.

Though Little Ginseng hadn't studied the path of imperial examinations, she cared greatly about Qi Ming.

Not only because Qi Ming was family, but also because Qi Ming had been tutored by Qi Yun.

She firmly believed her husband could teach a top scholar.

So Ye Jiao looked at Qi Yun with some excitement: "Husband should go look. Third Brother will definitely do well on the exam!"

Qi Yun didn't quite understand where Ye Jiao's excitement came from, but he didn't probe deeply. When he put down the snail shell ink, the man cupped the woman's face to examine it carefully, then leaned over to kiss her.

Lips with lip rouge were sweeter than usual, with a peach blossom taste. It seemed Ye Jiao had used lip rouge made from peach blossoms this time.

Ye Jiao also let him kiss her, even hooking her arms around Qi Yun's neck, smiling as she bit his lower lip.

When Qi Yun struggled to control himself and pull away, his mouth still carried the faint fragrance of peach blossoms.

This time Qi Yun's trip to the city was much more relaxed than last time.

Previously, his heart had been preoccupied with Ye Jiao and the child in her belly. Even sitting in the carriage felt like sitting on nails, completely unable to sit still.

Now it was different. Jiao Niang was safe, the children healthy, there was nothing more joyful than this.

This time Qi Yun didn't go to the private school, but went straight to Scholar Feng's home.

Going to the Capital wasn't ordinary business. Though Qi Yun was confident he could live well there, Scholar Feng was ultimately just a hired tutor who came to teach for money. He hadn't sold himself to you, so if he didn't want this job anymore, he could leave anytime.

Qi Yun had originally thought Scholar Feng probably wouldn't go along, but out of respect, and because Xu Bao particularly liked Scholar Feng as a teacher, Qi Yun made this special trip.

Who knew that after hearing Qi Yun's words, Scholar Feng agreed without a second thought.

He was straightforward, laughing especially brightly, without a trace of hesitation as he replied directly: "Xu Bao is the best child I've ever seen. I love teaching anyway, and everyone prefers teaching someone clever and smart. As long as Second Young Master Qi provides room and board, wherever he goes I can follow, it's no problem."

There was another half sentence Scholar Feng didn't say explicitly.

His official career was hopeless now. Scholar Feng's family circumstances were comfortable, so he didn't worry about food and clothing, and simply stopped taking examinations.

But not taking exams was one thing, there would always be some unwillingness in his heart.

Xu Bao was the most intelligent child he'd ever seen, and in Scholar Feng's view, had unlimited potential.

Being able to properly teach such a student in a lifetime would be a meritorious deed.

Taking a step back, Qi Yun's wealth and abilities went without saying, everyone within ten li knew them. Working as a tutor in his household offered good treatment.

Having heard they'd just had twins, when Xu Bao grew up a bit, those two children would also need tutoring. Calculating it out, ten years of security, going to the Capital was naturally no problem.

Qi Yun wouldn't concern himself with Scholar Feng's initial motives. Having him come along was the best possible outcome. Having a familiar tutor at home was excellent. Qi Yun immediately had someone come, drew up documents, settled on monthly wages, and signed with Scholar Feng.

After pressing fingerprints, Scholar Feng was no longer a private school teacher but counted as the Qi family's tutor.

Qi Yun generously gave him a hundred strings of cash, allowing him to turn it over to his parents as explanation. Scholar Feng marveled inwardly at how truly wealthy the Qi family was. A hundred strings was what ordinary families couldn't save in ten years of earnings, yet they handed it over casually without a trace of reluctance.

But this also gave Scholar Feng confidence. Those with solid family circumstances were better than those living hand to mouth. He had found himself a reliable patron to depend on.

After leaving Scholar Feng's house, Qi Yun went to a teahouse.

But he didn't bring Tie Zi, instead sending him to check the examination results first, to squeeze to the front early. Otherwise, with the huge notice board at the prefect's office and so many people, standing far away would make it impossible to recognize names.

After Tie Zi left, Qi Yun took the carriage to the teahouse.

There weren't many teahouses in the city, roughly calculating only five, three of which were Qi family properties.

This time Shi Tianrui had chosen a Qi family teahouse. When Qi Yun arrived, he saw Shi Tianrui listening attentively to storytelling.

The storyteller sitting on the platform in front was extremely invested, still holding a paper fan despite deep autumn, wearing a blue robe. His other hand held wooden clappers as he told a new story.

Qi Yun didn't speak, standing to listen briefly. He heard the storyteller telling a tale of a wealthy couple's deep marital love.

The couple was devoted to each other, but many clan elders pressured the man to take concubines. However, the man was upright and especially treasured his beloved wife. In the end, the loving couple stayed together, one life one world one pair of people, making others envious.

This wasn't really a fresh story, just that the storyteller told it very brilliantly, especially depicting the urgent and sinister faces of those clan elders in vivid detail.

But Qi Yun felt some of the details were particularly subtle yet familiar.

For example, the man suffering persecution from his legitimate mother, or legitimate brothers attempting assassination, and there was a fairy who gave the man divine medicine, saving him from death...

Though Qi Yun didn't know who had spread these stories, he had no intention of stopping them.

Since they could spread, it proved someone above was allowing it. Listening was harmless.

Just that his Jiao Niang becoming a fairy made Qi Yun quite happy.

When this segment ended, Qi Yun walked toward Shi Tianrui.

Shi Tianrui could actually hear the implications within, but he remained impassive, calculating inwardly while maintaining a calm face. Even when Qi Yun approached, he could maintain his smile without any change in expression.

But before he could go over to greet him, he saw Tie Zi rushing in from outside.

Shi Tianrui had originally wanted to rise and salute Qi Yun. Seeing Tie Zi, he extended his hand but didn't speak.

Qi Yun looked toward Tie Zi: "How was it?"

Tie Zi caught his breath twice, then announced loudly: "Congratulations master, Third Young Master passed the examination!"